What I've Learned Along the Way
After 25 years of distinguished service to our organization, Dr. Karen Murphy, Facing History’s Director of International Strategy, will join our partner organization High Resolves as CEO of an initiative called The Human Responsibility Accelerator. In this article, we invited Karen to share a bit of what she has learned in more than two decades at Facing History.
![Photo of Dr. Karen Murphy teaching](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/karen_murphy_teaching_hands_raised.jpeg?h=06ac0d8c&itok=0XtPSmhB)
Why Teach Reconstruction Today?
Studying the history of Reconstruction reveals that American history is lined with recurring cycles of social progress and backlash in which everyday people have surmounted immense barriers to drive powerful change.
![Man representing the Freedman's Bureau stands between armed groups of Euro-Americans and Afro-Americans.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-09/Freedman_bureau_harpers_cartoon_FH21213.jpg?h=83f3d97f&itok=jf0SD3Wz)
January 6th
The January 6th investigation has deepened widespread concerns about rising threats of fascism, racism, white nationalism, and other phenomena that undermine justice for all. But in analyses that focus primarily on the role of white nationalism fomented within media echo chambers, for example, commentators have overlooked what may be a more pervasive parallel phenomenon: the widespread crisis of faith in U.S. media and institutions at large.
![Photo of Two People Watching the News on TV](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/two_people_watch_news_tv.jpeg?h=140710cd&itok=9u-6fk5n)
Teaching about the January 6 Insurrection and its Impact on US Democracy
The January 6 insurrection remains important to understand and discuss, as well as the larger questions it raises about the state of US democracy. A recent poll found that 52% of young people between 18 and 29 believe that either US democracy is "in trouble" or "failed," while only 7% agree that it is "healthy," further highlighting the need to teach students about democratic institutions.
![Black and white photo of the US State House](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/b%26w_photo_us_state_house.png?h=a6c55029&itok=OVK2Jup-)
A New Type of Media Literacy
Learn about the risks new technologies pose to adults and adolescents and view resources available to help teach teenage students about media literacy, responsible use of social media, and surveillance capitalism.
![A person views a piece of news media on their phone.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/SocialMediaLiteracyHero.jpg?h=8e4088dc&itok=6GlBMRJf)
March Assemblies
Download our assembly PowerPoints for the month of March for use with Key Stage 3 and 4 students.
![Picture of a student writing in class.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-02/DSC04219.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=MuRq53iV)
Introducing Ideas This Week
Welcome! We've created a list to help you explore the best of what we have to offer. It covers topics including educator competencies, classroom resources, inspiring stories, and more.
![Picture of teacher in classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-03/2019_UK_Classroom_FH2177573.jpeg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=Zs3pE68x)
One Teacher Speaks to the Power of Our Current Events Collection
Current events come along fast—Facing History gives educators what they need when they need it to reflect on world events with care.
![Image of antimated teacher asking "How will I address this with students tomorrow?""](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/BridgetRileyInterview_Frame2_0.png?h=ba6fe428&itok=ONEmOR2i)
George Takei on Standing Up to Racism, Then and Now
George Takei speaks to the Facing History community about his childhood experience in an incarceration camp and anti-Asian racism on the rise today.
![A black and white photo of George Takei](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-09/George%20Takei%20_v2.png?h=9a1378d6&itok=sRJKlDnn)
Core Principles for Teaching about Freedom and Democracy in US History
Facing History outlines four ways to help your students connect with our C3-aligned US history inquiry.
![Magnifying Glass Over United States Map](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Magnifying_glass_over_United_States_in_a_map.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=HnZlQvww)
All Community Read: George Takei’s They Called Us Enemy
Use this list of recommended resources to join in our All Community Read of George Takei's graphic memoir, They Called Us Enemy.
![Profile of George Takei alongside his Book "They Called Us Enemy"](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-10/FY24%20ACR%20Header_v2.png?h=e9403ca4&itok=juRPIBQr)